FYI Food: New restaurant getting ready to open

The Local, at the Bed Bath & Beyond Plaza at 5323 Airport-Pulling Road, North Naples, will open soon.

The farm- and sea-to-table restaurant is owned by Culinary Institute of America graduate Jeff Mitchell, and the kitchen will be run by fellow Culinary Institute graduate chef Rich Demarse.

The restaurant will specialize in local and organic fare. More information: 239-325-8159

Wine events

Collier Child Care Resources Inc. will benefit from a wine tasting from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the cafe in Whole Foods Market at 9101 Strada Place, Mercato, North Naples. $10, paid at the door. Information: 239-643-3908

Alexander’s Restaurant will be showcasing South African wines with Decanted during a tasting from 5 to 6:30 p.m. April 10 at 4077 U.S. 41 N., Naples. The cost of the tasting is $10. U-topia Spa also will be giving beauty specials. Reservations: 239-262-4999

The Veranda has expanded its wine menu to feature 11 wines by the glass from $8 to $9 and more than 80 bottles ranging in price from $28 to $330 and representing more than 31 varietals. The restaurant serves lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a midday menu from 2 to 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays and dinner from 5:30 to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at 2122 Second St., Fort Myers. Reservations: 239-332-2065

Real Seafood Co. Naples is serving a three-course early dining menu from 4 to 5:30 p.m. with and 8-ounce glass of house wine for $24.95. The restaurant is at 8960 Fontana Del Sol Way (at Vanderbilt Beach Road west of Airport-Pulling Road), North Naples. Reservations: 888-456-3463

Grilled cheese month

Celebrate National Grilled Cheese Month during April at the Counter Custom Built Burgers at Mercato, 9110 Strada Place, North Naples. The restaurant will be featuring a different grilled cheese sandwich every week during April for $7 each:

This week, the Greek sandwich made with feta and sharp provolone

Monday through April 14, the Kicker, made with Tillamook cheddar and jalapeño jack

April 15 through 21, Caprese

April 21 through 28, French onion, made with Gruyere and caramelized onions on Parmesan sourdough bread

April 29 and 30, the Trifecta, with Tillamook cheddar, American and provolone cheeses

Cooking classes

Alexander Bernard of Alexander’s Restaurant, the French classics at noon April 13 and the fish dishes he serves at the restaurant at noon April 27. The cost of $55 includes tasting of all the dishes demonstrated, choice of wine, beer or nonalcoholic beverage, a recipe booklet, tax and gratuity. The restaurant is at 4077 U.S. 41 N., Naples. Reservations are required; call 239-262-4999.

The Good Life of Naples, classes with Kristina Ayn San Filippo at 2355 Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples: 12:30- 2:30 p.m. April 20, Incredible Eggs, $50; 6-8 p.m. April 23, A Taste of Ceviche; and 6-8 p.m. April 30, Cheese from around the world, $65. To make reservations: 239-514-4663

An anniversary

Angelina’s Ristorante will celebrate its fifth anniversary with a Champagne reception at 6 p.m. and a four-course wine dinner at 6:30 p.m. April 16 at 24041 U.S. 41 S., Bonita Springs. $150, per couple, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations: 239-390-3187

Cooking for kids

Chefs Cooking for Kids will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. April 18 at the Club at Grandezza, 11841 Grande Oak Blvd., Estero. The event will feature 20 local chefs who will showcase their culinary specialties.